Often a whispered potential statewide GOP challenger, Assembly Republican Leader Jon Bramnick (R-21) today said the government should not retry U.S. Senator Bob Menendez (D-NJ).

A jury last week delivered a non-verdict in the Menendez corruption trial, and the senior senator subsequently declared “resurrection day,” just  prior to collecting numerous endorsements from key Democrats.

Today, Bramnick offred his opinion that the feds cease and desist.

“This is not a Republican or Democratic issue,” said the GOP leader, trial attorney by trade. “The report that jurors split 10 to 2 against conviction should send a message to the Justice Department. The government had their opportunity and could not prove guilt. We should let the United States Senate handle this matter as they deem appropriate.

“I believe strongly in our jury system,” he added.